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Railing job.

11-04-2013, 05:10 PM

This is what i have been doing at work for the last few weeks. Normally we make these work platforms and they have 2x2 sq tube posts and welded cross bars from 1 1/2" tubing. This batch of platforms has 1 5/8" formed railing with cross rails that need coped. So i have like 390 rail sections to fit and tack together for the welders. Plus they have pockets that the rails sit in and need to all be removable. I have found the quickest way to cope the 1 5/8" tube is with a grinder and 36 grit sanding disc. Like 30 seconds per end. Just measure between the uprights and add 1/2". Then scribe a line 1/4" from the tube end and grind to the line while feathering to the center of the tube then roll the tube 180 degrees and do the other side. Piece of cake...Bob

Comment

We have an iron worker and the company bought notching dies for it. But in the 8 weeks its going to take to fab up these platforms the hole punching station will be down because thats where the notcher goes. Plus the iron worker is a long way from my bench and its quicker for me to grind as i have been doing. No if the iron worker was right next to me i would use it, but we still can't punch holes..Bob

If your tubing has a seam then it makes it simpler. What you want to do is measure in 3/4" in both ends on the same line. Then you want to freehand an arc where that 3/4" inch mark is in the middle. and the edges of the arc end up at the edges of the tubing.

After those are marked/cut then you roll the tubing over 180 degrees and do the same thing. You should have a perfect fit.

One thing you don't want if you like doing pretty work is a fit so tight that you have to hammer it in to place, or a fit where you are too short and use something to squeeze it together enough to weld it up. You will have exaggerated your mistake.

It doesn't matter if it's 2" pipe or 7" tubing. Wall thickness can't create issues, thin wall like Rigid pipe or sprinkler schedule ten material means you have to be more careful and have a wider arc to cut. Heavy wall like 1/2" will shorten the arc cut.